President William Ruto has disclosed details surrounding the fallout with his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, revealing that Gachagua allegedly demanded Ksh.10 billion to secure political dominance in the Mt. Kenya region.
During a roundtable interview with vernacular media on Monday, Ruto explained that tensions within the Kenya Kwanza coalition began soon after taking office. He highlighted Gachagua’s confrontations with key figures such as blogger Dennis Itumbi, MPs Ndindi Nyoro, and Kimani Ichung’wah, which contributed to his eventual impeachment.
“I asked him, ‘Why are you fighting with Itumbi, my PA Farouk, and these young leaders? What’s the need for such small battles?’” Ruto recounted, emphasizing that Gachagua’s combative stance created rifts within the coalition.
According to Ruto, Gachagua attempted to consolidate power by pressuring lawmakers into submission, leading to resentment among MPs who ultimately orchestrated his removal.
“The MPs were told that unless they bowed down, they would be sent home. In response, they decided to act first,” Ruto explained.
The President insisted that he did not personally push for Gachagua’s removal, stating that the process followed legal protocols. “I did not sign anywhere for him to be removed. The law was followed, and those who removed him did so within the legal framework,” he asserted.
One of the most explosive revelations from the interview was Ruto’s claim that Gachagua demanded a staggering Ksh.10 billion to mobilize political support in Mt. Kenya. “I was told, ‘I can make you a one-term president unless you give me Ksh.10 billion to organize politics in the region.’ I refused. If my fate is to be a one-term president, so be it,” Ruto disclosed.
The President dismissed concerns over political tensions ahead of his scheduled nine-county tour of the Mt. Kenya region, which begins on Tuesday. He affirmed that the tour aims to update the electorate on his administration’s achievements.
“I am here because I was given a mandate by the people of Kenya, including those from Central Kenya. From tomorrow, it will be clear whether I have fulfilled my promises,” Ruto stated confidently.
Responding to criticism from Gachagua’s camp, Ruto defended his government’s track record, highlighting key infrastructure projects. In a direct rebuke, he noted, “I have heard some leaders say I have done nothing. But I was the one who initiated the road from Marua, passing through Wamunyoro, where this very critic lives.”
The revelations have further intensified the political rift between Ruto and Gachagua, setting the stage for heightened political realignments in the Mt. Kenya region.
